Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith is facing up to 6.5 years jail term, after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy. The developer had allegedly taken a trip to North Korea back in 2019, to aid them in using Eth to bypass United States sanctions.<\/p>\n
The developer has also previously featured on the American show King of the Nerds, a show where competitors face challenges that test their intellect, ingenuity, skills, and pop-culture prowess.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important to note that Virgil faces only a single charge of “conspiracy to violate” sanctions laws — that is, he is accused of trying to help North Korea, not actually helping. That means the prosecution does not need to prove any tangible results of any specific action.\u201d<\/em> he asserts.<\/p>\n Ethan Lou, the journalist covering the case tweeted some important updates on the matter. He revealed that a trial was set for 9:30 a.m at the Southern District of New York courthouse. Moments after, he noted that the developer could face 20 years in jail.<\/p>\n The prosecution needed to prove that the developer set out to help North Korea. The journalist also explained that it was important for the jurors to like Virgil because the case seems highly subjective. He soon pleaded guilty in what Lou calls a \u201csurprise development.\u201d The judge will sentence on the 13th January of 2022.<\/p>\n The Defence had also wanted the lawyer\u2019s testimony in order to show that Virgil may have tried to look for legal advice and that he did not totally try to assist North Korea. On the other hand, the lawyer who is based in Singapore had problems traveling as a result of the global pandemic.<\/p>\n Virgil also revealed that he was depressed and was very expressive with his emotions after the court session. <\/p>\nLot of Scores to Settle With The Law<\/strong><\/h2>\n